Cabinet Finishes Yet

If you are considering a “Full Kitchen Remodel” then the first
place you will want to start (with regard to material choices) is with
your cabinets. Cabinets set the tone for the style and color scheme of
your entire kitchen. Answering the questions below will get you on the
right track.

Design Styles: The most common design styles these
days include Shaker, Modern Contemporary, Traditional, Casual Country
and Eclectic. Determining the style will direct you to the wood species
that work best.

Door Styles: There are basically three door styles
to choose from: Raised Panel, Recessed Panel and Slab. With regard to
the raised and recessed doors, you will then need to choose from square,
arch or cathedral style.

Types of Wood: Cabinets are made from a
multitude of wood species; however the most common these days are (in
order of hardness and durability):

o Oak, Hickory, Mahogany, Laminates

o Maple, Cherry, Birch, Pine

o Alder, Poplar

Cabinet Quality: The qualities of cabinets
available range from all solid wood construction, partial wood
construction with plywood veneer, particle board and veneer and (at the
lower end of the spectrum) particle board and photo finish and
laminates: Of course the prices range (with all wood construction) from
very expensive to very inexpensive (photo finish) or laminate
construction. While the old adage “You Get What You Pay For” holds true
in most cases, there are a number of ways to reduce your overall cost
and still have the quality and look you want. For instance, you can have
solid wood fronts and on the exposed ends (doors, drawers and face) and
use plywood or particle board on the sides and backs (which are not
seen). This can save you thousands of dollars.

Cabinet Finishes: Yet another consideration is the
finishes available: They are laminates, painted and stained. Regarding
stain finishes: You can choose from the standard finishes and (if so
inclined) add a “glaze finish” to further accent the wood grain and
design of the cabinetry. *** Note: When you choose to add a glaze
finish, there will be additional costs and (equally important)
additional production time. Glazes can increase your cabinet expense
from 6% to 20% and add one to two weeks on to the normal production
schedule.

Hardware: The sky is the limit with regard to choices of
colors, styles and designs of knob and handles. You can literally spend
hours online looking at designs and styles. *** Note: Remember to add
this into your cabinet budget from the outset as prices range from $3 or
$4 dollars for simple knobs & handles to as much as $20 or more for
the more ornate ones! Do you homework and research to find the type you
want and the lowest cost producer of same.

In conclusion,
remodeling your kitchen can be an exciting and rewarding endeavor and
add value to your home. With proper planning, you will get the result
you want within the budget you wish to keep. Perform your “due
diligence” and you will have a final result for you and your family to
enjoy for years to come! Good Luck.